UAE | Government

FNC elections 'will usher in greater political participation'

Elections for the Federal National Council will bring new energy and commitment to the work of the council and promote its role as a platform for greater political participation in the country, a minister said.

  • By Samir Salama, Bureau Chief
  • Published: 00:00 September 13, 2006
  • Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Elections for the Federal National Council will bring new energy and commitment to the work of the council and promote its role as a platform for greater political participation in the country, a minister said.

More than 1,000 women or 25 per cent of the electoral college would get a vote in the upcoming elections for the Federal National Council (FNC).

"FNC elections, which would take place at the end of this year, are a crucial step in paving the way for wider representation of citizens.

The process would encourage contribution of a new generation of young leaders and would, for the first time, witness the participation of women in FNC," said Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs.

He was speaking after a meeting of the National Election Committee (NEC). Discussions tackled a country-wide awareness campaign to encourage participation in the elections. Issues relating to elections budget, by-laws and voting mechanism were also tabled for discussion and would be revealed soon.

The electoral process, he added, is relatively new to the UAE and "we want to ensure that everyone is aware of its objectives".

"NEC would work towards a process that is broad, effective and inclusive to ensure a successful outcome," he said.

Mooch

Mooch ado about nothing

Mooch represents dreams, troubles of a Dubaiite

The villa owners have now brought their own kit to check chlorine levels

Pool horror

Twins hospitalised after swimming pool horror

Picture of Burj Khalifa taken at 12.19am on Sunday. The picture clearly shows fog-covered Burj Khalifa, quashing rumours of fire.

General

Reports of Burj Khalifa fire: Rumours or real?

Community Reports

More from Community Reports

National Day wallpaper

40 years of UAE

Download commemorative wallpapers of the UAE

<i>Building a Nation</i> is both accessible enough for newcomers in the UAE to appreciate the emirates and informed enough for long-term residents to value the history and context.

Book

Gulf News' book chronicles UAE's rich history